7 Best VA Loan Lenders of 2025

When it comes to buying a home, there are many mortgage programs available. However, military members and veterans have access to a unique option that civilians do not: the VA loan. VA loans are mortgages guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and are exclusively available to military members, veterans, and their spouses. These loans offer low interest rates, require no down payment, and come with significant benefits that other loan programs do not provide.

If you are considering a VA mortgage for your home purchase or refinance, it is important to understand the key points about these loans and the best lenders who offer them. Here’s what you need to know:

What to know about VA loans:

• VA loans are only for eligible U.S. military service members, veterans, and their spouses.
• Specific military service requirements must be met by you or your spouse to qualify for a VA loan.
• VA loans typically have lower interest rates than other loan options and do not require a down payment.
• Not all mortgage companies offer VA loans, as only approved lenders can issue them.
• VA loans do not require mortgage insurance, but borrowers may need to pay a VA funding fee.
  

  How we chose our top picks:
  

  Money reviewed dozens of VA mortgage lenders across the U.S. using government data, lender websites, and lender representatives to ensure data accuracy. Factors such as product variety, average interest rates, reputation, loan terms, credit score requirements, and geographic availability were considered when scoring each lender on a scale of one to five. The top companies that emerged based on these criteria are listed below.

  Our top picks for the best VA loan lenders of 2025:
  

  1. loanDepot: With a 4.4 score out of 5, loanDepot offers a wide range of VA loan options, various terms, low average interest rates, and a minimum credit score requirement of just 520.
  2. Rocket Mortgage: Known for competitive interest rates, Rocket Mortgage offers a range of loan terms, low average interest rates, and a credit score minimum of 580.
  3. PennyMac: If you’re looking for a quick and easy online VA loan experience, PennyMac is a great option. They offer competitive interest rates, low credit score requirements, and serve all 50 states.
  4. CrossCountry Mortgage: Specializing in VA renovation and construction loans, CrossCountry Mortgage has low credit score requirements, many loan terms, and serves all 50 states.
  5. PenFed: Offering some of the lowest average interest rates, PenFed serves all 50 states and has a credit score minimum of 620.
  6. Veterans United: With a focus on serving military members, Veterans United has strong reviews and is the No. 1 VA lender by volume.
  7. New American Funding: Known for low credit score requirements, New American Funding offers a variety of loan options and has a solid reputation.
     

     Other companies we considered:
     

• USAA: While USAA offers a variety of loan options, it lacks transparency in credit score minimums and loan terms.
• Navy Federal: Despite being a top VA lender, Navy Federal has an F rating with the Better Business Bureau.
• Mutual of Omaha: While scoring high overall, Mutual of Omaha has had multiple regulatory actions in the last five years.
  

  What you need to know about VA loans:
  

  VA loans are guaranteed by the VA and offered by approved lenders to military members, veterans, and their spouses. They have specific eligibility requirements and associated costs, such as closing costs and the VA funding fee.

  Types of VA loans available:
  

• VA purchase loans
• VA IRRRLs
• VA cash-out refinances
• Jumbo VA loans
• VA renovation loans
• VA construction loans
• Energy-efficient loans
  

  What to look for in a VA lender:
  

  Consider factors such as available loan options, company reputation, loan terms and interest rates, loan qualification requirements, and geographic availability when choosing a VA lender.

  The pros and cons of a VA loan:
  

  Pros include low interest rates, no down payment required, and more credit and debt flexibility. Cons include strict eligibility requirements and property standards.

  Alternatives to VA loans:
  

  Conventional loans, FHA loans, and USDA loans are alternative options for homebuyers who do not qualify for a VA loan.

  2025 VA loan outlook:
  

  VA loan limits are expected to increase in 2025, with changes to VA loan benefits including the end of the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase program.

  For more information on VA loans and the best lenders of 2025, consult our detailed methodology and explore our top picks for VA loan lenders.